House eyes examining Sara Duterte’s bank records in impeachment probe – Ortega

The House of Representatives may examine the bank records of Vice President Sara Duterte as part of the impeachment proceedings, House Deputy Speaker and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V said Friday.

This, as a fourth impeachment complaint was filed against the Vice President on Wednesday, accusing the Vice President of alleged betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution.

In a statement, Ortega said the accusations raised in the fourth impeachment complaint were “serious and disturbing,” citing certain claims that bank accounts, properties and significant cash movements “were allegedly not fully reflected” in Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

Ortega said the House has constitutional investigatory powers in the impeachment proceedings, adding that it has jurisprudence that could set aside bank secrecy when required by public interest.

“If public officials are required to disclose all assets and live modestly, then any material omission is a serious constitutional concern that the House cannot ignore,” the House leader said.

“This is not a conviction. This is a process. But when there are sworn statements about large cash transfers and serious red flags in asset declarations, the House cannot look away,” he added.

To recall, the net worth of Duterte rose by 1,120.78% in 17 years – from more than P7.2 million in 2007 to P88.5 million in her 2024 SALN.

This includes the period since she assumed the second-highest national post in June 2022, when her declared net worth increased from P71.058 million to P88.5 million as of December 31, 2024. — BAP, GMA Integrated News